Richard Mallary holds a strong educational background, having earned an A.B. degree from Dartmouth College. He spent several years managing a dairy farm in Vermont, which likely provided him with practical experience in agricultural operations. Mallary's career includes significant leadership roles in both the public and private sectors, including serving as a state representative, senator, and speaker of the Vermont House of Representatives. He also held positions in financial institutions, such as the Farm Credit Bank and the Central Vermont Public Service Corp. Mallary's experience spans across various industries, showcasing a diverse skill set in risk management, public service, and corporate leadership.

Richard Mallary's political career reveals a unique blend of conservative roots and progressive policy support. Despite representing a conservative district, he voted for Vermont's Civil Unions law, showcasing an ideological flexibility that defies typical partisan boundaries. Mallary's leadership roles in financial institutions suggest a pragmatic approach to economic issues, yet his advocacy for "death with dignity" legislation indicates a progressive stance on personal freedoms. This combination of roles and policy positions presents an intriguing study in political pragmatism.